Aussie Open: Men’s Third Round

Rafael Nadal advanced to the third round, though he seemed to struggle a bit before defeating German Philipp Kohlschreiber 7-5, 6-3, 4-6, 6-2 in yesterday’s final match. Nadal was hit hard twice by backhands at the net during play, one shot actually sent him sprawling. Nadal claimed that he felt Kohlschreiber aimed to hit him the second time. The match lasted over three and a half hours.

Men’s third round matches to watch include Roger Federer vs. Mikhail Youzhny, Andy Roddick vs. Marat Safin, Rafael Nadal vs. Stanislas Wawrinka, James Blake vs. Robby Ginepri, Nikolay Davydenko vs. Fabrice Santoro, and Mardy Fish vs. Wayne Arthurs.